Every martial arts journey is marked by milestones, visualised most commonly by the colour of one’s belt. In Shorinji Kempo, this progression is much more than just earning a new belt; it’s a profound journey of self-development, where each grading reflects your growth in mind, body, and spirit. At Bristol Shorinji Kempo, part of the British Shorinji Kempo Federation (BSKF), we embrace a comprehensive system designed to help you use your body to its best potential, whatever its individual properties, and acquire enduring skills in self-defence.
Your Journey Through the Kyu Grades
For beginners in Shorinji Kempo, your path begins with the kyu grades. Each coloured belt signifies your increasing understanding and proficiency in our varied and balanced system.
Your journey unfolds through these belt colours:
- White Belt: The beginning! This is where you learn the foundational postures and basic movements (Kihon) and start to understand the common structure of a training session.
- Yellow Belt: Signifies your growing familiarity with the basics and your commitment to training.
- Orange Belt: Demonstrates your improved coordination and the ability to link together a few techniques.
- Green Belt: You’re now developing a more solid understanding of both Goho (hard techniques like punches and kicks) and Juho (soft techniques like grappling and throws).
- Blue Belt: Represents a deeper grasp of principles like balance, leverage, and timing, which are crucial for effective self-defence.
- Brown Belt: The final kyu grade before black belt, showing significant competence and a readiness for advanced study.
Beyond the kyu grades lies the dan (black belt) system, where 1st dan marks the beginning of serious study, not the finish line. Higher dan grades involve further refining depth, teaching skill, and character.
How Do You Grade to the Next Belt?
Gradings in Shorinji Kempo are formal assessments of your progress across all aspects of our training system. In your grading exam – typically run by one of the BSKF’s senior instructors, not your own teacher – you’ll be tested on your ability to perform under pressure.
- Basics (Kihon): You’ll be assessed on fundamental movements and stances, the foundations of everything else.
- Technique (Waza): You’ll demonstrate your proficiency in a range of Goho (hard techniques) and Juho (soft techniques). This isn’t just about execution, but about demonstrating understanding of key principles like Kyojitsu (attacking emptiness with fullness), accuracy, speed, and angle in your strikes.
- Demonstration (Embu): From yellow belt onwards you will demonstrate a sequence of techniques together, maintaining focus and good form throughout. At the start you’ll be told what sequence to practice, but by the time you’re ready for your dan gradings you’ll be making it up yourself!
- Philosophy (Howa): Every class includes a discussion of Shorinji Kempo philosophy. For grading, you’ll be expected to understand and articulate core philosophical concepts. Our philosophy aims to improve the life of people and the world around them, encouraging you to develop confidence, a strong sense of right and wrong, and courage to uphold your beliefs. This ensures you don’t acquire martial skill without appreciation for why it’s pursued.
- Overall Understanding & Application: Your grading examiner will not only observe your technique, but also your overall attitude and approach to training.
A Holistic Approach to Progress
Shorinji Kempo emphasises that it is integral to train both “body and mind as one” (kenzen ichinyo). By giving your body the right fuel and dedicating yourself to physical training, you build the foundation for a strong mind, capable of focus and ethical reasoning.
This integrated development is what truly defines your progress through the belts. It means that Shorinji Kempo is suitable for anyone, regardless of body type, fitness level, or age, as it avoids reliance on raw power or athleticism, instead focusing on scientifically-grounded principles for effective self-defence.
Your belt colour is a reflection of your commitment to this journey – a journey that continually helps you grow and contribute positively to the world around you. Why not start your journey with us today?
